COMPREHENSIVE MONSOON PLAN BY SEALDAH DIVISION

Kolkata, 28th May 2025.

As confirmed by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon has made landfall in Kerala on 25.05.2025, eight days ahead of its normal onset date of June 1. This marks the earliest arrival of monsoon rains on the Indian mainland in last 17 years. The early onset of Monsoon at Bengal is expected by 28th May, signals the start of the most critical and challenging 4 months before Railway operations. Heavy rainfall is expected over Gangetic plane and coastal area which necessitates Sealdah Division to act immediately. 

In an emergency meeting chaired by DRM, Sealdah Division has taken a slew of measures for the sake of safety of passengers and smooth train services today (28.05.2025). For ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimum damage, the following actions have been taken :-

1. DG sets are strategically deployed at all important and vulnerable locations to mitigate the impact of potential power disruptions. Adequate number of water pumps are installed to prevent waterlogging on the tracks and fast evacuation of water in case of heavy shower, ensuring the Railway infrastructure remains functional even in adverse weather conditions.

2. Emergency Control will be operational on 24X7 basis and officers will be posted therein to monitor the situation in case of torrential rainfall. Number of expert staff from different disciplines like Operating, Engineering, Mechanical, Signal & Telecom Departments will be stationed at critical points to oversee the situation.

3. Railway Protection Force (RPF) will remain on high alert to protect and ensure safety of passengers and rolling stock. 800 rain protection suits are already distributed amongst the security personnel for providing maximum security outreach during the long monsoon season.

4. All the concerned departments must ensure proper protection of Electrical, Engineering and Signal & Telecom equipments.

5. It’s often observed that, waterlogging leads to track failure. 54 such failures were reported during last FY throughout Sealdah Division on account of excessive rainfall and consequential waterlogging. Provision and cleaning of drainage system is key to avoid water accumulation at points and track circulating area. All the departments will be on toes to prioritize the work.

6. Special focus will remain on cyclone prone area like Canning & Diamond Harbour. Monsoon patrolling will be carried out at all vulnerable locations to prevent emergency like situation.

7. Tree trimming are being carried out on emergency basis at Sections like Kanchrapara, Ranaghat, Baharampore, Barrackpore etc. to evade possible suspension of train operations in case of thunderstorm or cyclonic weather.

8. Over Head Equipment (OHE) Maintenance are another area of thrust to ensure uninterrupted service during inclement weather. Tower Wagons are stationed at all important locations to monitor the situation and co-ordinate quick response.

9. Water seepage incidents are to be taken care of to avoid short circuit and electrocution. Platform sheds must be in proper condition at all 204 stations across the Division to protect commuters during rainy season.

10. All the 124 Limited Height Subway (LHS) should be equipped with drainage system & pumping arrangements. Sensor based water logging monitoring system have already been provided at all vulnerable LHS locations to ensure expeditious drainage.

11. Rain Gauge instruments are installed at 5 important locations like Sonarpur, Barasat, Bongaon, Ranaghat & Barrackpore to measure actual rainfall amount for assessing graveness of the situation.

12. Anemometer instruments are installed at 9 vulnerable sites like Namkhana, Diamond Harbour, Krishnanagar, Barrackpore, Barasat etc. to measure wind speed and direction. Rescue plan are to be chalked out accordingly in case of emergency like situation.

The comprehensive planning to combat adverse situation highlights Sealdah Division's proactive approach in mitigating adversity of situation arising out of heavy downpour for ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and rail users. Under inspiring leadership of Rajeev Saxena/DRM, Sealdah Division has meticulously planned full proof arrangements by ensuring proper manpower deployment to mitigate the plight of commuters during  upcoming monsoon season.